Ceiling-Mounted Patient Support Device for Space-Efficient Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient positioning systems and support devices in medical imaging and radiotherapy fail to meet requirements for flexibility, minimal interference with surroundings, low weight, cost-effectiveness, and efficient space use, particularly when integrated with multi-joint robots.
Innovation Solution
A patient support device with a coupling region that allows ceiling-mounted connection to a multi-joint robot, enabling self-balancing and space-efficient installation, featuring a support plane between the coupling and underside areas, and incorporating a displaceable member for adjusting patient position and radiation permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a patient support device is connected to a ceiling-mounted positioning system, then space efficiency and reduced floor interference are improved, but the device complexity and mounting requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support device transitions from floor-based support to ceiling-mounted suspension, utilizing the vertical dimension to relocate the support structure. The device is hung from the ceiling via a coupling region, allowing the support plane to be positioned at optimal height while minimizing floor space occupation and interference with surrounding equipment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling region is positioned above the support plane, then self-balancing and stability are improved, but the device height and ceiling clearance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling region is positioned above the support plane to create a self-balancing configuration where the center of gravity and coupling point are vertically aligned. This arrangement uses gravitational force to maintain stability without requiring additional active balancing mechanisms, allowing the device to automatically return to its neutral position after patient loading or positioning adjustments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the patient support device is designed with minimal structural interference, then radiation permeability is improved, but the structural strength and load-bearing capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support device employs localized structural elements that provide strength only where needed for patient support, while maintaining open or minimal structures in regions where radiation must pass through. The support plane and immediate patient contact areas are reinforced, while the coupling region and upper support structures are designed with radiation transparency in mind, using spaced components or materials with appropriate radiation penetration properties.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a patient support device (10) that is connectable to a positioning system (12), such as a multi-joint robot (16), the patient support device (10) comprising: a patient support region (18), comprising a front area (22) which defines a support plane (S) for supporting and/or contacting a patient (P) and an underside area (23) substantially facing away from the front area (22); and a coupling region (26) that is configured to be coupled to the positioning system (12), wherein the support plane (S) at least partially extends between the coupling region (26) and the underside area (23). The disclosure further relates to a patient positioning arrangement comprising such a patient support device (10) and positioning system (12).